WASHINGTON — Former Cincinnati Bengals running back Rudi Johnson has died at age 45, the team confirmed Tuesday. A cause of death and exact date were not released.

“Rudi was a fine person and an excellent running back for us,” Bengals president Mike Brown said in a statement . “He was dependable and productive as a player, and very popular among his teammates. Everyone liked him and saw him as a dear friend. We are deeply saddened by his passing.”

Johnson played seven seasons in Cincinnati after being selected in the fourth round of the 2001 NFL draft out of Auburn. He made 59 starts in 81 games for the Bengals and ranks fourth in franchise history with 5,742 rushing yards. His 48 rushing touchdowns are the third-most by a Bengals player.

We are deeply saddened by the passing of Rudi

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